Risk of disease transmission from flexible nasoendoscopy during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have emerged regarding infection transmission during flexible nasoendoscopy. METHODS: Information was gathered prospectively on flexible nasoendoscopy procedures performed between March and June 2020. Patients and healthcare workers were followed up to assess for coronavirus disease 2019 development. One-sided 97.5 per cent Poisson confidence intervals were calculated for upper limits of risk where zero events were observed. RESULTS: A total of 286 patients were recruited. The most common indication for flexible nasoendoscopy was investigation of 'red flag' symptoms (67 per cent). Forty-seven patients (16 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval = 13-21 per cent) had suspicious findings on flexible nasoendoscopy requiring further investigation. Twenty patients (7.1 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval = 4.4-11 per cent) had new cancer diagnoses. Zero coronavirus disease 2019 infections were recorded in the 273 patients. No. 27 endoscopists (the doctors and nurses who carried out the procedures) were followed up.The risk of developing coronavirus disease 2019 after flexible nasoendoscopy was determined to be 0-1.3 per cent. CONCLUSION: The risk of coronavirus disease 2019 transmission associated with performing flexible nasoendoscopy in asymptomatic patients, while using appropriate personal protective equipment, is very low. Additional data are required to confirm these findings in the setting of further disease surges.

12 Tips to Improve ENT Training During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in significant change to ENT practice, as it a high-risk speciality in terms of SARS-Cov-2 virus transmission. The reduction in theatre time, loss of face to face outpatient appointments and redeployment has contributed to significant loss of training opportunities for current ENT trainees. Aim: This paper provides twelve easy and simple tips for current ENT trainees to follow. Methods: Relevant literature was reviewed and the first named author's personal experiences were drawn upon. Results: The twelve tips are (1) Try run a telephone clinic, (2) Evaluate face to face patients independently and make a management plan, (3) Gain formative feedback, (4) Make the ward round a learning opportunity, (5) Organise formal consultant led teaching, (6) Learn from the interprofessional team, (7) Attend online courses and webinars, (8) Take pictures when performing flexible nasoendoscopy , (9) Organise simulation sessions, (10) Gain surgical knowledge and exposure outside of the theatre setting, (11) Undertake an audit or quality improvement project and (12) Look after yourself and make mental health a priority Conclusion: These twelve tips should help the ENT trainee to maximise their learning opportunities and improve their training.